University Researchers to Share Visions of Life in 2030

January 19, 2013 - News Release

What will life be like in 2030? Maybe technology will prevent your car from crashing, or perhaps mathematics will make the difference between wealth and poverty.

These are among visions of the future that researchers from Ontario universities – including the University of Guelph - will share with the public at "Life in 2030: Discuss the Future With Those Who Are Creating It," a free event to be held Jan. 23 in Kitchener.

Hosted by the University of Waterloo and Wilfrid Laurier University, in partnership with U of G and the University of Ottawa, this is the first in a series of Research Matters discussions to occur across Ontario during the next few months.

“The work of Ontario researchers has a significant impact on the day-to-day life and future of Ontarians,” said D. George Dixon, vice-president of research at the University of Waterloo. “This event is an opportunity for researchers to connect with people in the Kitchener-Waterloo area and share their hopes, concerns and expectations for the next generation of Ontarians. Additionally, because universities are publicly funded, we recognize the importance of sharing our work with the communities to whom we are accountable.”

Moderated by Iain Klugman, president and CEO of Communitech, the event will feature four researchers discussing life in 2030 through the prism of their research:

Ajay Heble, University of Guelph, “Music improvisation and community building: Improvisation will be at the core of sustainable communities and unprecedented change”

Amir Khajepour, University of Waterloo, “Intelligent cars: Vehicles will prevent themselves from crashing”

Donna Kotsopoulos, Wilfrid Laurier University, “Math pedagogy: Mathematics will make the difference between wealth and poverty”

Andrew Pelling, University of Ottawa, “Cellular nanotechnology: Technology and biology will integrate in unpredictable ways.”

“Our universities – both locally and across Ontario – are home to some of the most prestigious, varied and collaborative research environments in the world,” said Abby Goodrum, vice-president, research, at Wilfrid Laurier University. “We want all members of our community to be able to share this wealth of ideas.”

"Life in 2030" will take place at The Tannery, 151 Charles St. W., Kitchener, 6:30-8:30 p.m. The event is free and open to the public. You may register online.

Research Matters events allow Ontarians to discuss emerging challenges and opportunities with researchers who are helping to shape the future, and to voice opinions and ideas in conversation with some of the province’s leading thinkers.

Four other Research Matters events including other universities will take place across Ontario, as follows: Sudbury, March 7; Oshawa, April 3; St. Catharines, April 16; and Toronto, May 9. The Research Matters campaign includes a blog and social media opportunities for Ontarians to engage with university research. Visit the Research Matters website at www.YourOntarioResearch.ca for details.

For media questions, contact:

University of Guelph
Lori Bona Hunt, News Service Director, Communications and Public Affairs
519-824-4120, Ext. 53338, or lhunt@uoguelph.ca

University of Waterloo
Pamela Smyth, Media Relations Officer, Communications and Public Affairs
519-888-4777 or psmyth@uwaterloo.ca

Wilfrid Laurier University
Kevin Crowley, Director of Communications and Public Affairs
519-884-0710, Ext. 3070, or kcrowley@wlu.ca